Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto in One Day: Sanjo & Sannenzaka and Kiyomizu-dera

    Kyoto in One Day: Sanjo & Sannenzaka and Kiyomizu-dera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 13:00 Meet @ The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
    • 13:20-14:10 Lunch @ RUNG ARUN
    • 14:19-14:29 Sanjo → Fushimi Inari 220 yen Keihan
    • 14:40-15:30 Sightseeing at Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 15:38-15:48 Fushimi Inari → Gion-Shijo 220 yen Keihan
    • 16:00-16:30 Stroll around Gion and Yasaka Shrine
    • 16:45-17:30 Sightseeing at Sannenzaka and Kiyomizu-dera (main gate only)
    • 17:30 Disband @ Kiyomizuzaka (put only the customers in a taxi)

    What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Yasaka Shrine The guests were a group visiting from North America. On this day, they had traveled to Kyoto from Matsumoto. After dropping off their luggage at the Hotel, the tour began. Since they were hungry, we went to a nearby Thai restaurant for lunch. Afterward, we visited Fushimi Inari, then returned to Shijo and walked through the streets of Gion, continuing on to Yasaka Shrine and Sannenzaka. I explained the differences between Shinto and Buddhism. The group enjoyed a warm and close atmosphere, as one of them would give the others quizzes to check whether they had been listening carefully after my explanations.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo (Kyoto)~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Total440JPY

    Hello! I am Andy Murao. I love this job as I can visit various destinations with the people from all over the world. I am always thinking that I could help you know more about Japan and understand the attractiveness of Japan.

    I would like to provide a tour in accordance with your request and preference. Please let me know what you want to see, eat, experience, etc. and then I will propose a schedule based on them.

    There is one point to note. I like walking very much, so I might be a guide who forces you to take long walks.

    I look forward to attending you in Japan.

    Best regards,

    Andy Murao

    Jul 13, 2026
    webstere2025
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Excellent
    Andy(Atsushi) was great and communicated with us beforehand about our…

    Jun 21, 2026
    Catherine_D
    Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    First time in Osaka
    Andy was great . On time and patience…

    Jun 6, 2026
    eyeessess
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour!
    Andy Murao was an amazing and wonderful tour guide.…

    Jun 5, 2026
    Janice_W
    Viator review: Kyoto 9hr Private Tour (Kobe Dep. ) with Licensed Guide
    Great tour of Kyoto
    It was a good tour…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 12:00 Hotel – 13:15 Tsukiji Outer Market – 14:15 Imperial Palace East Gardens – 15:30 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 16:00 Meiji Shrine – 17:05 Fukagawa Fudodo – 17:40 Tomioka Hachimangu – 18:20 Shin-Marunouchi Building dismissal

    What Does a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Include? A Licensed Guide's Report on Tsukiji, Tokyo Station, and Harajuku The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They had arrived in Japan only the day before and still seemed to be experiencing some jet lag. At the nearest station, Ebisu, they made SUICA cards, and we started the tour from the Tsukiji Outer Market. As many shops were taking days off during the Obon holiday period, and some began closing shortly after 1:00 p.m., we moved on early and headed to Tokyo Station. While walking to the Otemon Gate, I explained about Tokyo Station and the plaza in front of the Imperial Palace. At an animal café on Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the group was surprised by the otters and mini pigs. They enjoyed a full day in Tokyo.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayEbisu~Tsukiji210JPY
    Section 2BusTsukiji 3-chome / Toei Bus~Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit / Toei Bus210JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae Station / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo210JPY
    Section 4TrainYoyogi Station / Shibuya-ku, Tokyo~Monzen-nakacho350JPY
    Section 5BusTomioka 1-chome (Koto-ku) / Toei Bus~Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit / Toei Bus210JPY
    Total1,190JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…

  • Kyoto in One Day: Hyatt Regency Kyoto & Nijo Castle

    Kyoto in One Day: Hyatt Regency Kyoto & Nijo Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Hyatt Regency Kyoto
    •  (Bus & JR Sagano Line & Taxi)
    • 9:00-9:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    •  (Taxi)
    • 9:40-10:00 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
    • 10:00-10:25 Sagano Walk
    •  (Taxi)
    • 10:50-11:15 Ryoan-ji Temple
    •  (Taxi)
    • 11:35-12:00 Lunch (Food court at AEON Mall Kitaoji)
    •  (Subway)
    • 12:30-13:00 Nijo Castle
    •  (Subway & Keihan)
    • 13:35-14:00 Guide to Sanjusangendo, then disband

    Title: What's a Private One-Day Nature and Off-the-Beaten-Path Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. For the itinerary, they had shared keywords such as "nature" and "off the beaten path" in advance, so I planned the following route: Hotel → the Bamboo Grove path in Arashiyama → Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and a walk through Sagano (with some shopping at a local shop along the way) → Ryoan-ji → lunch (at a shopping mall food court in the Kitaoji area) → Nijo Castle → Sanjusangen-do, ending the tour after the visit. It was hot and humid, with the temperature rising to 35 degrees, so I kept an eye on their well-being, but in Sagano they walked a long distance, enjoyed the rustic scenery, and took photos here and there. As they wished to have a quick lunch, I guided them to a food court in the station building at Kitaoji Station on the subway, where they enjoyed a curry from a well-known Tokyo-based curry shop. During our travels they asked a variety of questions, such as about Japan's medical insurance system, Japanese views on religion, Japanese-made English words, Japan's baseball culture, the lives of Buddhist monks, the existence of the Imperial Family and the Emperor, the causes of Japan's economic stagnation, and the background of the declining birthrate. The tour was booked by one of the guests this time, but I had a feeling that they may become a repeat visitor to Japan in the future.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1BusHigashiyama Shichijo/Kyoto City Bus~Kyoto Station/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
    Section 2TrainKyoto~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
    Section 3SubwayKitaoji~Nijojo-mae260JPY
    Section 4SubwayNijojo-mae~Sanjo Keihan220JPY
    Section 5TrainSanjo Keihan~Shichijo170JPY
    Total1,120JPY

    My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

    Jun 3, 2026
    Nikki G
    Wonderful experience with a great guide!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Masaki was our guide through…

    May 24, 2026
    Pamela_C
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

    May 4, 2026
    TravelersHigh77
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
    Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

    Nov 29, 2025
    vsairamkumar
    Kyoto guided tour
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • ① 09:30 Meet at Hotel Granvia Kyoto
    • ② 09:40 Itinerary meeting and explanation of Kyoto's history
    • ③ 10:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • ④ 11:10 Daitoku-ji Temple, Obai-in
    • ⑤ 12:00 Daitoku-ji Temple, Zuiho-in
    • ⑥ 13:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
    • ⑦ 14:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Togetsukyo Bridge
    • ⑨ 15:30 Disband at the hotel

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like During Obon? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America, and they seemed to be having a wonderful time on a memorable trip. From what they told me, their itinerary went from Tokyo to Nagoya and then Kyoto, with Nara planned for the next day, a full day in Okayama, a return to Osaka, and finally one more stop in Tokyo before heading home. Today was extremely hot and humid, and just walking made the sweat pour out. The heat is much the same everywhere in Japan, which I knew, but the humidity in Kyoto today was really something else. In Arashiyama the guests became exhausted, so we cooled off in a taxi and returned to the Hotel. Since it was right in the middle of the Obon season, I explained in detail about Obon, the Gozan no Okuribi (Kyoto locals prefer not to call it "Daimonji-yaki"), and the Shoro Nagashi spirit-sending ceremony, which take place in Arashiyama at this time. Upon hearing this, the guests said they would make time on the evening of the 16th to come back to Togetsukyo Bridge because they absolutely wanted to see the Okuribi and Shoro Nagashi live. There is a similar culture in their home region called Dia de Muertos, in which ancestors are welcomed back, so the Japanese Obon must have felt very familiar to them. They were delighted that it resembled their own tradition. They were cheerful and talkative, often interrupting me and, given the chance, moving on to the next thing before I could finish explaining, so guiding required some effort. But none of that mattered at all — they were a pleasure to be with, and we seemed to get along naturally.

    Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

    Jul 29, 2026
    James_G
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Great guide and very…
    Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

    Jul 13, 2026
    peterhR6472GA
    Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with Kazu…

    Jul 12, 2026
    cgalvez73
    Fantastic tour guide
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

    Jun 23, 2026
    Winni_H
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Highly recommended when in Kyoto
    Our tour guide…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 09:55 Meet up @ Cerulean Tower
    • 2. 10:00 Move∶On foot
    • 3. 10:05 Stay @ Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • 4. 10:20 Move∶Subway
    • 5. 10:45 Stay @ East Gardens of the Imperial Palace
    • 6. 12:00 Move∶Subway
    • 7. 12:25 Stay @ Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
    • 8. 12:50 Lunch @ Yoroiya
    • 9. 13:15 Stay @ Sensoji Temple
    • 10. 13:50 Move∶Subway
    • 11. 14:15 Stay @ Tokyo National Museum
    • 12. 15:30 Stay @ Ueno Park
    • 13. 15:50 Move∶Subway
    • 14. 16:30 Disband @ In front of Shibuya Fukuras

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering the Imperial Palace East Gardens, Shibuya, Asakusa, and Ueno The guests were visitors who walk regularly, so we were able to move through each spot at quite a brisk pace. This time I guided them all the way to the honmaru area of the East Gardens without skipping it. Since they preferred using a messaging app, we communicated through that app. After visiting the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, they purchased a one-day pass in Shibuya, and we traveled entirely by subway. I had heard that a light lunch would be fine, but they showed interest in a long-established ramen shop in Asakusa, so we decided to have lunch there. Since it was ramen, the meal did not take much time. After visiting the Tokyo National Museum, there was still a little time left, so at the end I guided them to Hanazono Inari Shrine and Bentendo in Ueno Park, then saw them off near their hotel before we parted ways.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1Free PassShibuya~Otemachi900JPY
    Section 2Free PassOtemachi~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 3Free PassAsakusa~Ueno0JPY
    Section 4Free PassUeno~Shibuya0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Hi. My name is Masafumi Miyazaki. Please call me “Sam”. I am a government-licensed guide.
    I was born in Tokyo and was raised in the suburbs of Tokyo called Tama area. When I was in university, I majored in western dramas, so I am good at playing like an actor.
    I like reading, listening to the music, and walking. I belong to several walking clubs, and sometimes I guide the members around Tokyo.
    One of my strengths as a guide is that I know well about kombu, Japanese kelps. In December every year, I work at a traditional kombu shop in Tsukiji Fish Market. At that shop, I learned a lot of things related to kombu or other ingredients for washoku. I can explain the different characteristics of them to you.
    Also, I am familiar with Japanese flowers and plants. If you stroll around a Japanese garden with me, I am sure you will be able to enjoy beautiful flowers and unique plants in every season.
    I look forward to meeting you. Thank you.

    Jul 21, 2026
    G848SWmaribelm
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Tour of Tokyo sights was great!
    The tour experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    Cezary P
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour of Tokyo!
    Sam, was outstanding! Showed…

    Jul 9, 2026
    Michael_C
    Tokyo tour
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour with a wonderful guide -…

    Jun 18, 2026
    David_W
    Viator review: Tokyo Tsukiji Food & Culture 4hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Fish Market Tour
    Great tour. Got to see…

  • Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Station & Shibuya Station

    Tokyo in One Day: Asakusa Station & Shibuya Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:30 Meeting place: Hotel Gracery Asakusa
    • 9:40 Depart Asakusa Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 9:50 Arrive Ueno Station
    • Ueno Station Travel Concierge
    • 10:20 Depart Ueno Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 10:30 Arrive Komagome Station
    • Komagome Rikugien Garden
    • 11:30 Depart Komagome Station
    • (JR Yamanote Line)
    • 11:45 Arrive Shinjuku Station
    • Shinjuku Odakyu Tourist Center
    • JR Midori no Madoguchi (Ticket Office)
    • Kabukicho
    • Lunch: Okonomiyaki
    • 13:00 Depart Shinjuku-sanchome Station
    • 13:15 Arrive Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line)
    • Harajuku Meiji Jingu Shrine
    • Rest: Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu
    • 14:15 Depart Meiji-jingumae Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line)
    • Omotesando Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 14:30 Arrive Shibuya Station
    • Shibuya Scramble Crossing
    • Hachiko Statue
    • 15:00 Depart Shibuya Station
    • (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)
    • 15:30 Arrive Asakusa Station
    • 15:30 Disband: Asakusa Station

    What's a Private Full-Day Tokyo Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Shinjuku, Meiji Shrine, and Shibuya The guests were visitors from Europe, both visiting Japan for the first time. (The booking indicated one person, but the group that appeared consisted of guests.) They had arrived at Narita Airport the previous night and taken a taxi to their Hotel. This was a two-week trip to Japan, with four days in Tokyo, followed by Hakone, Hida-Takayama, Toyama, Kanazawa, Kyoto, and Osaka, before flying home from Kansai Airport. This was a booking arranged through an agency. They said, "We'd like to see the main spots in the city as much as time allows," and "From tomorrow, we plan to explore other parts of Tokyo on our own." The tour took place under cloudy weather, with a little rain in the latter half. We met at the Hotel. First, the guests requested, "We'd like to buy a Suica card," "We'd like to exchange our JR Pass for tickets and make Shinkansen reservations," and "We'd also like to convert our Romancecar reservation to Hakone into tickets." We first went to the travel concierge at Ueno Station. There we activated the JR Pass and reserved Shinkansen seats, and also purchased a Welcome Suica card. From there, we headed to Komagome (the Imperial Palace had originally been requested, but it was closed that day, so we changed plans). I explained the history of Rikugien Garden. The guests said, "It's wonderful to see such a beautiful Japanese garden," and "If you have other gardens to recommend, please let us know." Next, we moved to Shinjuku and first went to the Odakyu Tourist Center. At the counter, the guests said they should have a Romancecar reservation, but the Odakyu staff said only a Hakone Free Pass had been reserved, and there was some confusion and a bit of a dispute. It was temporarily settled when they said they would check with the agency that evening. It also came to light that there was a mistake in the reservation dates for the Shinkansen and trains for "Hakone–Odawara–Nagoya–Hida-Takayama." We changed the reserved seats at the ticket office in Shinjuku Station. From there, the tour finally began. I explained the origins and history of Shinjuku, and the differences between the east and west sides of the station. We walked around Kabukicho, the Godzilla Head, and Golden Gai. Since they said they really wanted to eat okonomiyaki, we went to an okonomiyaki restaurant in Kabukicho. They remarked, "This area feels different from other neighborhoods." We moved to Harajuku and visited Meiji Shrine. I explained Shinto, torii gates, Emperor Meiji, and why wine barrels are displayed there. There were questions such as "What kind of teaching is Shinto?", "When did Shinto originate?", and "How many shrines are there in Japan?" We took a break for a while at Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu. Then we moved to Shibuya. First, we took photos looking down at Scramble Square from the Keio Inokashira Line platform, and then actually crossed the scramble crossing. There was a question of "Why do so many people gather here?" We also took photos in front of the Hachiko statue. There were comments and questions such as "Tokyo feels like a clean and safe city," and "Why are there no trash cans on the streets?" Since they said they weren't sure how to use the subway and wanted to be taken to Asakusa, I escorted them to Asakusa and we parted ways there. Comment: Regarding the Shinkansen and other reservations, the guests said the agency had told them the guide would take care of things if they ran into trouble. As a result, I ended up having to cover minor miscommunications and agency errors, and I was unsure how far I should go. Since there was a possibility of being pressed with "the guide's responsibility" if things weren't handled smoothly, I found it challenging to manage.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainAsakusa~Ueno180JPY
    Section 2TrainUeno~Komagome170JPY
    Section 3TrainKomagome~Shinjuku180JPY
    Section 4TrainShinjuku-sanchome~Meiji-jingumae180JPY
    Section 5TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shibuya180JPY
    Section 6TrainShibuya~Asakusa260JPY
    Total1,150JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Hyogo in One Day: Kokoen Garden & Himeji Castle

    Hyogo in One Day: Kokoen Garden & Himeji Castle

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ JR Himeji Station
    • 10:45 @ Mount Shosha, Engyoji Temple
    • 13:00 @ Kokoen Garden
    • 13:45 @ Himeji Castle
    • 15:30 Dismissal @ Egret Himeji

    What Is a Private Himeji Castle Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting from Europe. On this day the group traveled in very high temperatures again, and during the visit to Himeji Castle most of the group seemed a little worn out. One member in particular appeared quite tired, perhaps not feeling well, and although the guide repeatedly asked, "Would you like to take a break?", the reply was always "I'm fine." So the guide insisted on frequent "five-minute breaks." Aside from one member, the group did not seem to show much interest in each spot. In addition, communication in English was somewhat difficult for the rest of the group. (One member of the group interpreted the guide's explanations into German for the others.) The guide presented one of the guests with a handmade drawstring pouch made by the guide's sister, which was received with delight. In the end, after the visit to Himeji Castle, the group wished to end early so that they could rest and cool down, and we parted ways at "Egret Himeji" near Himeji Castle with about 30 minutes remaining.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1OtherJR Himeji Station~Shoshazan Ropeway Station1,700JPY
    Total1,700JPY

    Dear my guests,

    This is (Mr.) Yama, greeting from Kobe, Japan.
    I would like to warmly welcome you to Japan this time. I am from the city of Kobe, which is of course, well-known for very tasty Kobe Beef . You can taste
    real genuine Kobe Beef here. Kobe is also called “Home of Japanese Sake” with lots of Sake breweries, and I recommend you would visit those breweries
    if you have any interest in Japanese Sake as well as one aspect of Japanese cultures. Of course, you can have tastings of various kinds of Sake there.

    Whenever during the tour, I always try to make it safe, pleasant and comfortable for all of the guests, which is my first priority. I am very much confident
    that you can have a pleasant and unforgettable experience in Japan. Just tell me about your preference; what you would like to like to see, have, know
    and eat and so on. Particularly, I hold the license for cooking qualified by the government here and maybe, I can reply you for questions related to the
    foods here. In this respect, I strongly recommend you would try not only famous Japanese cuisine such as Sushi, Tempura or Suki-yaki but some
    Japanese traditional local foods, like Tako-yaki, Okonomi-yaki and Kushkatsu. They are sometimes called the soul foods of Japan. Here is the brief
    explanation for these three foods.

    1) Tako-yaki
    Tako-yaki is a snack filled with pieces of octopus in a batter of flour , egg and soup stock. You can call them octopus dumplings or balls. “Tako” means
    octopus and “yaki” means grilled or broiled.
    2) Okonomi-yaki
    This word Okonomi-yaki means “cook just as you like” and you can use whatever you like as toppings, such as beef, pork, shrimp, squid and octopus.
    Okonomi-yaki is round shape and just like pancakes or pizza in shape mainly made from egg, flour and water.
    3) Kushi-katsu
    Kushi-katsu is skewered cutlet or deep-fried foods on a stick. “Kushi” means skewer and “katsu” means cutlet. Various kinds of foods are used for
    ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, squid, octopus and lots of kinds of vegetables.

    Actually, the western Japan including Osaka, Kobe and Himeji is called as “Home of such local soul foods”. You should give it a try and I am sure
    that you like them very much.

    I sincerely hope that I can be your tour guide this time in Kobe, Osaka and Himeji. If my guests said to me after the tour, “I have had a very good
    and pleasant time with you today. I hope I can come here again and name you as our guide”, which is my great pleasure. Moreover, I would be
    great honored if they say “I like Japan now thanks to you”.

    Looking forward to meeting you soon here.
    Doomo Arigato Gozaimasu!
    Yama

    Jul 25, 2026
    Hdixjdixj
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
    Amazing Food Tour through Osaka
    We were taken…

    Jul 20, 2026
    Eric_W
    Viator review: Himeji Castle & Koko-en in 1 Day Tour with Licensed Guide
    Castle journey worth your time!
    Our tour with…

    Jul 13, 2026
    Diane_B
    Viator review: Kobe Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Yama was amazing!!
    Our tour guide…

    Jul 4, 2026
    Navigator661725
    Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful time!
    We absolutely loved this tour. Yama was attentive, was…

  • Tokyo in One Day: 30 @ Meiji Shrine & 10 @ Takeshita Street

    Tokyo in One Day: 30 @ Meiji Shrine & 10 @ Takeshita Street

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1.10:00 Meet @ Hotel Groove Shinjuku
    • 2.10:20 @ Purchase Shinkansen tickets at Shinjuku Station
    • 3.10:50 @ Asakusa
    • 4.12:50 Lunch @ Asakusa Kobe Beef Dia
    • 5.14:00 @ Shibuya
    • 6:14:30 @ Meiji Shrine
    • 7:15:10 @ Takeshita Street
    • 8.16:00 Disband @ Hotel Groove Shinjuku

    What's a Private Tokyo Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Asakusa, Shibuya, and Meiji Shrine Since I could not reach the guests beforehand, I sent a fax to the hotel the day before to arrange the meeting. We were able to meet in the hotel lobby at 10:00. The guests were a group visiting from North America, and they had arrived at Haneda the previous evening. First, they withdrew cash from an ATM, then at Shinjuku Station they purchased a Welcome Suica and Shinkansen tickets, and we headed to Asakusa. In Asakusa, some of the guests wished to rent kimono, so they rented yukata and we strolled around Sensoji Temple. The yukata suited them very well. Since one of the guests wanted Kobe beef, we enjoyed it at a restaurant in Asakusa. After that, we experienced the Shibuya crossing, headed to Harajuku, and visited Meiji Shrine. We then walked along Takeshita Street, enjoying matcha ice cream along the way, before returning to the hotel. The heat was not too severe, and I believe the guests enjoyed the day. Some of the guests did not seem to understand much English, so I would explain things to one of them, who would then pass the information along.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShinjuku~Asakusa360JPY
    Section 2TrainAsakusa~Shibuya260JPY
    Section 3TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 4TrainMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku (Tokyo Metro)180JPY
    Total950JPY

    Hello, I am Fumiko, an English-speaking Tourist Guide. I have been guiding foreign visitors science 2016. Please let me know your bucket lists whiles you are staying in Japan and what you are interested in. I will make the best plan for you. This is an once in a lifetime experience for you. As for myself, I love traveling, meeting people, eating local food, drinking, history, and art. I am learning Ikebana, traditional Japanese-style flower arrangement, and tea ceremony. I also love sports, especially tennis. I like children, so I can teach them some origami, folding paper. I am looking forward to hearing from you and seeing you in Japan.

    Jul 27, 2026
    zyarisa
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko tour good vibes only
    Mrs. fumiko was very…

    Jul 23, 2026
    734mortenp
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
    Nice tour of Tokyo
    Don’t visit Tokyo without a guide! You’ll…

    Jul 10, 2026
    Jessica_A
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Fumiko was wonderful. …
    Fumiko was wonderful. You can…

    Jun 28, 2026
    alistairn2016
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Fumiko is a great tour guide – informative, friendly and very well…

  • Kanagawa in One Day: Kamakura Station & Hase Station

    Kanagawa in One Day: Kamakura Station & Hase Station

    Tour Itinerary

    • 11:00 Meeting place: Kamakura Station
    • 11:30 Depart Kamakura Station
    • (Enoshima Electric Railway)
    • 11:45 Arrive Hase Station
    • Hase Kotoku-in・Great Buddha of Kamakura
    • Hasedera Temple
    • 13:00 Depart Hase Station
    • (Enoshima Electric Railway)
    • 13:15 Arrive Kamakura Station
    • Kamakura Komachi Street
    • Lunch: Uokama Main Store
    • Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
    • 15:00 Bus stop behind Tsurugaoka Hachimangu
    • (Enoden Bus)
    • 15:30 Arrive Kita-Kamakura Station
    • Kita-Kamakura Engaku-ji Temple
    • Meigetsu-in Temple
    • 17:00 Disband: Kita-Kamakura Station

    Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kamakura Like from Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. The lead guest and one other member of the group were visiting Japan for the second time, while everyone else was visiting for the first time. The group had originally come from another region and had moved to North America some years ago. Everyone in the group had different itineraries. Some members had already finished a trip to the Kansai region and were returning home the next day, while others were heading to Kansai from the following day. Their overall trip to Japan spanned about twelve days. Everyone in the group was staying in Shinjuku. After the tour today, they planned to go shopping in Ginza. The tour took place under clear skies and intense heat. The guests were very expressive and tended to move around independently, and their pace of walking was quite slow. We first went from Kamakura Station to Kotoku-in and the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Both the Enoden train and the approach to the temple were packed with tourists and extremely crowded. Along the way, I explained about "the history of Kamakura," "the history of Edo and Tokyo," "the feudal system," "the Meiji Restoration," and more. I also explained "the difference between Buddhism and Shinto." There were questions such as "Do all Japanese people believe in Buddhism?" "What other religions do people follow?" and "Are there any Catholics?" The guests also went inside the Great Buddha and said, "Now I really understand how the Great Buddha was made." There was also a question: "Which is bigger, this one or the Great Buddha of Nara? And which was built first?" We moved on to Hasedera. The guests were able to enjoy the lotus flowers, and one commented, "The garden inside the temple is wonderful. I'd love to create a garden like this at my own home." We returned to Kamakura Station and went to Komachi-dori. Some of the guests said, "We haven't had breakfast, so let's have lunch somewhere." After looking around at various restaurants along Komachi-dori, we finally found one serving chirashi sushi (which also had meat dishes), and everyone went in together. Some of the guests liked fish while others only ate meat, so preferences varied widely. Everyone enjoyed a leisurely lunch. After that, we went to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu. A shrine maiden dance was being performed on the stage, and everyone eagerly took photos. From here, we took a bus to Kita-Kamakura Station. We strolled around Meigetsu-in and Engaku-ji. Comments included "It's so quiet and peaceful," along with a question: "This temple seems more modest than Senso-ji. Why is that?" With such a large group and everyone moving around independently, it was a challenge to keep the group together. The guests commented, "Japan is very safe. I'd love to come back again," "There's no litter on the streets," "There are no homeless people to be seen," and "Everyone is so polite." There were also comments such as "The train and subway networks are so sophisticated," and "It's quiet inside the trains. No one is chatting." We parted ways at Kita-Kamakura Station with the guests, who were heading off to go shopping in Ginza.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainKamakura~Hase (Kanagawa Prefecture)200JPY
    Section 2TrainHase (Kanagawa Prefecture)~Kamakura200JPY
    Section 3OtherBehind Tsurugaoka Hachimangu~Kita-Kamakura240JPY
    Total640JPY

    Guiding career:
    Guide work started in July 2022. A guide focused on FIT compliance.
    FY2022 results: 17 cases, FY2023 results: 97
    Destinations: Various places in Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura and Nikko
    As a recent group travel record, in October 2023, we have a track record of guiding a group of 33 people from Singapore to Narita Airport transfer plus sightseeing in Tokyo.
    Self-introduction:
    In the past, I was stationed in Canada, the United States, and Mexico as an expatriate of a Japanese bank for over 11 years.
    Since I have been mainly involved in the financing business in the United States for a long time, I think I am able to provide interpretation and translation services related to business and finance.
    I am a certified CPA in the United States.
    In addition, for three years from April 2016, I will be engaged in Japanese-English translation work (part-time), and I can also handle translation work.
    Although I don’t have a qualification in Spanish, but I think I can handle day to day conversation in Spanish without any problems.
    My hobby is trekking and from time to time, take a walk around mountains near Tokyo like Mt. Takao, Tanzawa, etc. I think it is possible to provide tourist information here as well.
    Since April 2015, I have been working as a Tokyo Metropolitan Tourism Volunteer and Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Prevention Volunteer.
    One more, I have a separate house near Asuka Village, Nara prefecture, and I stay there for a total of about 30 days every year and have been enjoying sightseeing personally in the vicinity. Therefore, I think in the Kansai region, especially in Nara, Asuka, Yoshino, Koyasan, Kumano Kodo, etc., where I think I will be able to tour guide with confidence.

    Jul 21, 2026
    Christelle_G
    Viator review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Excellent tour guide
    Masa san is extremely knowledgeable and…

    Jul 1, 2026
    97TexAg
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Amazing day in Tokyo
    Masa was our tour guide. Masa was an…

    Jun 2, 2026
    Tagare S
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Great tour and guide!
    This is a great tour, and our…

    Jun 1, 2026
    Lisa_A
    Viator review: Private Tokyo Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Adler Family Tour
    Our tour with Masa was…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 14:00 Hotel – 15:00 East Gardens of the Imperial Palace – 16:15 Harajuku Takeshita Street – 17:15 Meiji Shrine – 18:20 Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory – 19:30 Pokémon DX Tokyo – 20:00 Disband at Nihonbashi

    What's a Private One-Week Tokyo Tour Like for a Visitor from North America? A Licensed Guide's Report [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a roughly one-week private tour of Japan for guests visiting from North America. One of the guests had previously come to Japan for work about three times a year but had never had time for sightseeing. Since the itinerary included the Kansai region after Tokyo, I gave an overview of Tokyo and an explanation of Japanese history, then started the tour at the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace. On Takeshita Street in Harajuku, the guests were amazed by the otter cafe, the mini pig cafe, and the capybara cafe. After visiting Meiji Shrine and the observation deck of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, we went to Pokemon Center DX Tokyo, and the guests were able to enjoy many different sides of Tokyo.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainShijo-mae~Shimbashi390JPY
    Section 2TrainShimbashi~Tokyo150JPY
    Section 3SubwayOtemachi (Tokyo)~Meiji-jingumae Station / Shibuya Ward, Tokyo210JPY
    Section 4BusSangubashi Station (Koma Terrace Nishi-sando-mae) / Keio Bus~Shinjuku Sumitomo Building / Keio Bus230JPY
    Section 5SubwayTochomae~Nihonbashi (Tokyo)320JPY
    Total1,300JPY

    Welcome to Japan. My name is Michio, your tour guide in Tokyo and Japan. I was born and grown up in Tokyo, and still living in western suburb of Tokyo with my wife, except for 10 years outside of Japan travelling and living in 60 countries. So I might have visited your country and still remember a few words.
    Japan has unique history, nature and culture, and there are plenty of secrets and wonders behind them such as food culture, Zen and Ninja.
    So please explore and discover the hidden and most beautiful part of Japan together. Let’s experience!

    Oct 25, 2025
    Carla_G
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking…
    Viator review: Tokyo 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our 4-hour Tokyo walking tour was fantastic! Michio…

    Oct 24, 2025
    410trishab
    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 10/10 — Outstanding Tour with Michio and Nobuhiko!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Full Day Tour with Licensed Guide and Vehicle from…

    Oct 11, 2025
    GoPlaces52694049181
    We enjoyed our time in Tokyo with Michio our tour guide.
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We…

    Oct 10, 2025
    PiscesV
    Sushi for breakfast at 630am? Yes please!!
    Tripadvisor review: Toyosu Market Morning Tuna Auction and Tsukiji Food Tour with Licensed Guide…